The Libratory facts for kids
| Established | November 2010 |
|---|---|
| Location | The Woolstore Complex, 1 Tyne Street, Oamaru, New Zealand |
| Type | Art museum |
| Owner | Damien McNamara |
The Libratory was New Zealand's very first art gallery just for steampunk art. It was started by an artist from Oamaru named Damien McNamara. He also used the name Damotimus Tipotus.
The gallery opened in November 2010. It gave local steampunk fans a place to show off their amazing artwork and sculptures. The Libratory was located on the first floor of The Woolstore building. It was right next to another cool place called Steampunk HQ.
In 2012, The Libratory got a new owner. It was then renamed and is now known as the Gadgetorium.
Contents
What is Steampunk?
Steampunk is a super cool style of art and fashion. It mixes the old with the new in a creative way. Imagine the Victorian era, like the 1800s, but with advanced machines. These machines are powered by steam!
Steampunk Style and Ideas
Steampunk art often uses gears, clocks, and brass. You might see airships, goggles, and fancy old-fashioned clothes. It's like science fiction from the past. People who love steampunk enjoy making things. They also like dressing up in unique outfits.
The Libratory's Purpose
The Libratory was created to be a special home for steampunk art. It helped artists in Oamaru share their unique creations. The gallery showed off many different types of steampunk art. This included sculptures and other cool pieces.
Community Gatherings
The gallery wasn't just for looking at art. It also hosted monthly "swap meets." These were like special get-togethers for steampunk fans. People from the area would meet up there.
What Happened at Swap Meets?
At these meetings, steampunkers could do many things. They would share their ideas with each other. They could also sell their handmade goods. And, of course, they loved to show off their amazing steampunk fashions! It was a great way for the community to connect.
From Libratory to Gadgetorium
The Libratory was a big part of the Oamaru steampunk scene. When it changed hands in 2012, it got a new name. It became the Gadgetorium. This new name still fits the steampunk theme perfectly. It sounds like a place full of interesting inventions and gadgets.
